Hey Flower,
#4 is a cool shot. IMO it would look better with a tighter crop (mainly to get rid of the harsh light top left). Then I would kick the exposure down, and play with color correction to try and bring the shell out from the light. Might try a color burn as well.

thanks robb01 .yes i agree the first one is blurry. i was so upset i didnt get it sharper. is there any good method of sharpening it in gimp. if so, to what degree or percent-cause i really like it- or is it just a lost cause?

I agree with what's been said, the first shot is blurry but the last one is a great shot of the turtle, even though the edges are blurry. I think it's such a unique pose that you don't get to see everyday, and that's what nature photos should do, show you nature that you don't normally get to see.

okay. i took everyones advise and tried it out. i put the "before" on here again so you can see the difference in what i did easier so you wouldnt have to scroll a bunch. heres what i did--- warmed it up, cropped it, turned the exposure down, brought the shell out from the light, and kinda messed with the color.

BEFORE ADVISE:

AFTER ADVISE:

what do you all think. did i do it right? it certainly looks better i think. and if anyone wants to add anything it would be welcome.